West Cork orientated Senator Tim Lombard is encouraging all Cork County Men’s Sheds to apply to a national funding pot of half a million euro to support their good work. This capital funding announced by Minster for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, provides small grants to individual Men’s Sheds in order to enable them to purchase equipment or carry out minor works to improve their shed.

Senator Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) is based outside Carrigaline, Co Cork and represents the views of Cork residents in the Seanad. He will run in the next General Election in Cork South West, and this year boosted his West Cork connections by opening a Constituency office in Kinsale.

As part of this measure, Minister Ring has made provision for €31,884 to be provided to the 22 Men’s Sheds in Cork County, pending successful applications by the individual Men’s Sheds.

Senator Lombard said: “Men’s Sheds are a worldwide movement which encourages men to talk about their feelings in order to improve mental health and wellbeing.

“Our local Men’s Sheds here in Cork create a space where men can discuss health issues and emotions while engaging in purposeful activities.

“The sheds, in urban and rural areas across the country, promote the health and wellbeing of members by combating issues such as loneliness and isolation, while creating a culture where men can discuss their thoughts and feelings without stigma.

“They are a great example of a positive community-based organisation that promotes good citizenship through good works.

“There are currently 22 Men’s Sheds in Cork County, and I strongly encourage all to apply for funding which has been allocated to Cork County Council.

“It is essential that the individual local sheds make applications to the Cork County Council Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) by 31st August 2018.”

Minister Michael Ring said: “In recent years, Men’s Sheds have become a fixture of life in towns and villages throughout Ireland. There are now approximately 350 around the country and they offer a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where men of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.

“They are great at rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck in to many and various community initiatives.

“I have decided to introduce this funding in recognition of the wonderful that Men’s Sheds do. The funding is being provided following discussions with the Irish Men’s Shed Association. I have asked them to provide details to their members over the coming period on how to apply.

“I encourage all Men’s Sheds to avail of the support and I wish the Irish Men’s Shed Association every success as it grows and develops,” the Fine Gael Minister said.